Life lessons with the Rev Kate Bottley
Vicar, broadcaster and former Gogglebox star, The Rev Kate Bottley (45), tells us what makes her tick
■ Be prepared for unexpected turns
When I was growing up, it wasn’t even in my brain to be a vicar. After university, I was an RE teacher at quite a rough secondary school in Sheffield and it was there I learnt how to connect with people. But then when I did feel a calling to the church and people in the community started to say, ‘We would like you to serve us in this way’, I began to take it seriously.
■ My first love
I started going to church when I was 13. I had a crush on the local vicar’s son, Graham. That’s why I started taking an interest in the church! We began going out when I was 18 and have been married for 23 years. We’ve grown together and not grown apart. He was my first love.
■ Saying yes changed everything
When I was still a parish priest in Nottinghamshire in 2013, I was asked if I would take part in a flash mob routine to, Everybody Dance Now on a couple’s wedding day. I love weddings and dancing, so of course I agreed. When the video went viral it got nine million hits. Then I got a call from a Gogglebox producer who saw the clip.
After that, my life changed. I said yes to the show, not because I’m a desperate show- off, but because, as the gap between culture and church gets ever wider, I wanted to sit on the sofa in my dog collar and show that Christians are normal people.
■ Fame can be positive
It has its downsides but part of being a vicar is that you are called into the ‘public square’. That’s how I see it. I’ve been compared to actress Dawn French’s character in the Vicar of Dibley. I’ve met Dawn a couple times and told her she did a lot of groundwork for female vicars.
When I walk into a room, people already think I’m nice, kind and funny, because their only reference frame is Dibley. Dawn has always been supportive of the female ministry. Apparently she still gets requests from people asking her to do their weddings and funerals!
■ Take the plunge
I am not particularly sporty but if you put me in the water, I’m off. I started outdoor swimming seriously two-anda-half years ago. Now I go every day to the River Idle. I will swim in a puddle if
I have to! I have even cut holes through ice. It is the single best thing I have done for my mental, spiritual and physical health. It’s like rebooting a computer because all you can focus on is your breathing, and it helps you with your
■ The Rev Kate hosts Good Morning Sunday, 6-9am on BBC Radio 2
■ She was talking to Jane Oddy body image as well.
You can’t be shy about lumps and bumps when you’re changing in a car park on a freezing winter morning. I call it morning prayer!
■ Remember your roots
I’m from Sheffield and all my extended family still live there. Where I grew up we didn’t have indoor plumbing until I was about six and I remember the ice on the inside of the windows. I remember how difficult things were, but hardship breeds resilience and a sense of humour.
■ Never lose hope
During the pandemic it has been my privilege to help people through difficult times. A passage in John’s gospel is one of my favourites: ‘A light shines in the darkness and darkness will never overcome it.’ I believe there is always a light to be found.